Published on: June 11, 2025 / Updated on: June 11, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
The smart German Armed Forces high-tech robot dog Ghost Vision 60 from US manufacturer Ghost Robotics – Image: Air Force Airman First Class Zachary Rufus
Strategic procurement: German armed forces test American walking robots for reconnaissance missions
German armed forces use robot dog technology for improved mine detection and terrain analysis
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have taken a significant step toward modernizing their unmanned ground systems by acquiring four Ghost Vision 60 walking robots from the US manufacturer Ghost Robotics at the end of 2024. This acquisition, facilitated by the Thuringian company ATC SiPro GmbH as importer, represents a strategic expansion of the existing robotic dog capabilities, which were previously primarily represented by the Boston Dynamics Spot model "Wolfgang 001." The new systems will be used primarily for testing purposes, with reconnaissance and mine detection identified as priority applications. This development underscores the Bundeswehr's commitment to modernizing its technological equipment and meeting the demands of contemporary warfare.
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Procurement procedures and strategic classification
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded the contract for the procurement of four Ghost Vision 60 systems to ATC SiPro GmbH in September 2024 via direct award. This decision was published on the European procurement platform TED on September 20, 2024, and is based on the unique selling proposition of the manufacturer's technology. A specific price was not mentioned in the official announcements; however, media sources report costs of around €150,000 per unit, based on international benchmarks.
The relatively small number of four systems clearly indicates that the procurement is a trial. This corresponds to the Bundeswehr's usual procedure with new technologies, which are first extensively tested before larger procurement volumes are realized. A similar approach was already observed with the Vector drones from the German manufacturer Quantum, where initially 14 systems were ordered for the Bundeswehr, while several hundred were delivered to Ukraine.
This procurement fits into the German Armed Forces' comprehensive digitalization efforts, which are being driven forward under the motto "Digitalize or die." Brigadier General Frank Pieper of the Army's Digitalization Test Unit emphasized as early as 2021 that the German Armed Forces must develop technologically rapidly in order not to be at a disadvantage in future battles.
Technical specifications and performance characteristics
The Ghost Vision 60 is a robust and versatile unmanned ground system with impressive technical features. The system weighs 51 kilograms empty and can carry a payload of up to 10 kilograms. With a battery life of up to three hours, the robot dog can achieve a range of approximately 12 kilometers, although the actual operating time may vary depending on the terrain and task.
The technical equipment includes five onboard cameras with streaming capabilities, enabling real-time data transmission. Additionally, the system features visual and thermal cameras for obstacle detection, as well as the option to integrate a LiDAR scanner for mapping. This sensor suite makes the Ghost Vision 60 a highly advanced reconnaissance system capable of operating even in challenging lighting conditions and complex terrain.
A key advantage of the system lies in its open architecture, which allows for the integration of a wide variety of payloads weighing up to 10 kilograms. This flexibility opens up diverse application possibilities, from the installation of specialized sensors to the carrying of small drones that can be launched from the robot dog's back. The system can be assembled and disassembled in approximately 15 minutes, significantly increasing operational flexibility.
The system is NDAA-compliant and designed for all weather conditions. The included software allows users to customize the platform's behavior and AI capabilities to their specific needs. A dedicated app enables users to access the system's cameras and perform technical diagnostics, significantly simplifying maintenance and operation.
Planned uses and testing projects
The German Armed Forces plan to initially test the Ghost Vision 60 systems for various mission purposes, with reconnaissance and mine detection identified as priority areas of application. These operational scenarios correspond to the proven practices of other armed forces that have already gained extensive experience with similar systems.
Mine detection and ordnance disposal
One particularly promising area of application lies in mine detection and ordnance disposal. The German Armed Forces are already successfully testing the "Minesweeper" software from ASDRO GmbH in Essen, which was originally developed for detecting unexploded ordnance in the ground. This AI-based analysis software evaluates sensor data in parallel and visualizes mine finds and mine-free passageways on a map.
Integrating magnetometers, ground-penetrating radar, infrared and thermal imaging, and AI-powered systems onto robotic dogs could significantly increase the efficiency of mine detection. The ability to remotely deploy these systems into dangerous areas without risking human lives is particularly valuable. This is crucial because mine detection is not only time-consuming and requires highly specialized personnel, but is also extremely dangerous for bomb disposal teams.
The German Armed Forces' Cyber Innovation Hub is already working on connecting the Minesweeper software to the SitaWare battle management system to make collected data and mine coordinates accessible to other units. This networking would significantly expand the operational capabilities of the robot dogs and enable their integration into more complex mission scenarios.
Reconnaissance and surveillance tasks
These robotic dogs are ideally suited for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks in a wide variety of environments. Their ability to navigate rough terrain, such as forests or multi-story buildings, offers significant advantages over wheeled or tracked unmanned systems. Thermal and visual cameras enable the examination of buildings or complex terrain using thermal imaging technology.
The ability to launch small reconnaissance drones from the backs of the robot dogs opens up additional tactical options. This combination of different unmanned systems could enable new operational doctrines in the future, where ground-based and air-based reconnaissance seamlessly integrate.
Comparison with existing systems: Wolfgang 001
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have several years of experience with robotic dogs through the "Wolfgang 001" system, a Spot model from Boston Dynamics. This system was presented to the public in 2021 as evidence of the Bundeswehr's modernization efforts and has since been used for testing purposes by the Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe (WIWeB), the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing.
A comparison between Wolfgang 001 and the new Ghost Vision 60 systems reveals interesting differences in their technical design and strategic positioning. With its empty weight of 51 kilograms, the Ghost Vision 60 appears significantly more massive than the Boston Dynamics Spot, which is about 20 kilograms lighter. This weight difference reflects different design philosophies: While Boston Dynamics focuses on agility and versatility, Ghost Robotics concentrates on robustness and military applications.
A key difference lies in the manufacturers' stance on military use. Boston Dynamics stated in 2022 that it did not intend to turn its robot "Spot" into a war dog and rejected the idea of arming it for military purposes. Ghost Robotics, on the other hand, claims to be open to use and development in a military context. For example, in 2021, a version of the Ghost Vision 60 with an integrated weapon system was presented: the Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle (SPUR) lightweight platform from Sword Defense Systems.
However, the Ghost Vision 60 systems procured by the German Armed Forces explicitly state that “no operational component (armament) is planned.” This decision reflects the German position on autonomous weapon systems and their intended use as reconnaissance and testing systems.
International perspective and operational experience
The international spread and use of robotic dogs in various armed forces offers valuable insights for German planning. The US armed forces are considered pioneers in the use of robotic dogs and have been deploying them for more than a decade, primarily for securing bases and, within the framework of the Department of Homeland Security, for border security.
Operations in Ukraine
The experiences from the Ukraine conflict are particularly revealing, where robot dogs are being used extensively for reconnaissance purposes. The Ukrainian armed forces primarily use these walking robots for covert reconnaissance in the field, with the systems proving especially valuable in areas close to the front lines. The development of flying drones capable of transporting and deploying robot dogs is also of interest, opening up entirely new tactical possibilities.
These operational experiences are of enormous importance to the German Armed Forces, as they provide practical insights into the capabilities and limitations of the systems in real combat environments. The experiences in Ukraine demonstrate that robot dogs are not only technically mature but can also offer measurable operational added value.
Further international applications
Israel also uses Ghost Vision 60 systems, as does Japan, which primarily uses the robot dogs to search for victims buried after earthquakes. These civilian applications demonstrate the platform's versatility and potential uses beyond purely military missions.
The Israeli armed forces use the systems for both reconnaissance and engineering missions. This experience is particularly relevant for the German Armed Forces, as it provides insights into the practical benefits in various operational scenarios.
Future prospects and strategic importance
The German Armed Forces' acquisition of the Ghost Vision 60 systems is more than just a technical modernization – it marks an important step in the strategic realignment of the German armed forces in the field of unmanned systems. Testing various robotic dog platforms will allow the German Armed Forces to gain extensive experience and identify the optimal system configuration for German requirements.
Integration into existing systems
A critical success factor will be the integration of the robot dogs into existing command and weapon systems. The planned connection of the Minesweeper software to the SitaWare battle management system already indicates the direction in which this integration could develop. Future developments could include the complete networking of the robot dogs with other unmanned systems, sensor networks, and command and control systems.
The open architecture of the Ghost Vision 60 systems offers significant opportunities for the integration of specialized German or European sensor systems and software. This could lead to the development of a configuration specifically tailored to German requirements, taking into account both national security interests and technological sovereignty.
Technological advancement
Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and energy storage promise significant performance improvements for future generations of robot dogs. Improved battery technologies could considerably extend their operating time, while advanced AI algorithms would enable more autonomous operations.
Of particular interest are the developments in the field of swarm intelligence, which could enable the coordinated deployment of multiple robot dogs. Such swarm capabilities would open up entirely new tactical possibilities, from large-scale terrain reconnaissance to complex mine clearance operations.
Education and doctrine development
The successful integration of robot dogs into the German Armed Forces requires not only technical adaptations but also the development of new training concepts and operational doctrines. Experience with Wolfgang 001 has already demonstrated that specialized training is necessary for the operation and tactical deployment of these systems.
The German Armed Forces must develop concepts for how robot dogs can be optimally integrated into existing troop structures. This includes both the operational level and logistical aspects such as maintenance, repair, and spare parts supply.
Challenges and risk factors
Despite the promising possibilities, the introduction of robot dogs also presents significant challenges. Dependence on US technology raises questions about technological sovereignty, particularly in security-critical areas. The German Armed Forces must ensure that they do not become overly reliant on foreign manufacturers.
Practical testing will show to what extent the advertised performance parameters can be achieved under real-world operating conditions. Particularly critical are battery life under various weather conditions and terrain types, as well as the reliability of the systems during extended use.
The integration of various sensor systems and data transmission in electronically jammed environments present further technical challenges. The German Armed Forces must ensure that the systems remain functional even under the conditions of modern electronic warfare.
The introduction of robot dogs also raises ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding the potential future arming of such systems. Although the currently procured systems are unarmed, the technical possibility of retrofitting them with weapons exists. The German Armed Forces must develop clear guidelines for dealing with these possibilities.
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Robot dogs in the German Armed Forces – A new era of unmanned reconnaissance systems begins
The acquisition of four Ghost Vision 60 robotic dogs marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the German Armed Forces and their capabilities in the field of unmanned ground systems. This strategic investment complements the existing experience with the Wolfgang 001 system and enables the German Armed Forces to compare and evaluate different technological approaches.
The planned applications in mine detection and terrain reconnaissance address specific operational challenges and promise significant improvements in soldier safety and mission effectiveness. Integration with innovative software solutions like Minesweeper demonstrates the potential for synergistic effects between different technological approaches.
At the same time, this procurement underscores the need for comprehensive strategic planning for the integration of unmanned systems into the German Armed Forces. The successful use of these technologies requires not only technical expertise, but also the development of new operational doctrines, training concepts, and organizational structures.
International experience, particularly from the Ukraine conflict, demonstrates both the enormous potential and the practical challenges of deploying robotic dogs in real combat environments. The German Armed Forces are well-positioned to learn from this experience and develop their own concepts tailored to German requirements.
In the long term, the successful integration of robot dogs could represent a key component in the comprehensive digitalization and modernization of the German Armed Forces. The combination of proven German engineering expertise and innovative international technologies promises the development of solutions that meet both operational requirements and the strategic goals of German security policy.
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